Chath is one of THE most important festival in Bihar, but is celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, parts of Bengal and Nepal. It is the time when the Biharis from all over the country and abroad flock to their villages and celebrate the festival with all the fervor. In this year of COVID, it has been advised to celebrate the festival in closed quarters and stay away from huge crowds. To talk to us today, we invited one of the most eminent Maithili poetess and writer - Dr. Shefalika Verma
https://hi.wikipedia.org/wiki/शेफालिका_वर्मा
Some of her books are as under:
1. Naagphaans - https://www.amazon.in/NAAGPHAANS-Dr-Rajiv-Kumar-Verma-ebook/dp/B07VHMBVTL/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1605737800&refinements=p_27%3ADr.+Shefalika+Verma&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Dr.+Shefalika+Verma
2. Mohpash - https://www.amazon.in/Mohpash-Maithili-Dr-Shefalika-Verma/dp/B01JRVQNPI/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2V68KT4R2YD47&dchild=1&keywords=shefalika+verma&qid=1605737705&sprefix=shefalika+verma%2Caps%2C274&sr=8-5
3. Sinduri Sanjh ke cactus - https://www.amazon.in/सिंदूरी-साँझ-के-कैक्टस-संग्रह-ebook/dp/B07DZLBLTT/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2V68KT4R2YD47&dchild=1&keywords=shefalika+verma&qid=1605737705&sprefix=shefalika+verma%2Caps%2C274&sr=8-6

www.asingh.blog
Email: [email protected]

comments from a listener Bhargav Mitra
Bhargav’s comments on the Podcast:
An excellent podcast.. 

Aunty not only summed up the beauty and sanctity of Chhath Puja,  she also encapsulated the essence of the dedication and power of women.. 

She said the women have the unique power to shoulder the enormity of such pujas, which is a tribute to the inner strength of women, and, in many ways, highlights their single-minded commitment to the well-being of their close ones..

She also rightly said: The women have the ability to make things happen without much fuss or publicity.. in saying so, she epitomized the concentration with which the women tackle adversities..

It was nerve-wracking to learn about the experience of taking over the puja by Aunty as Uncle was passing through a trying phase.. it 
was also so beautiful when she said that her relationship with Uncle was more like that exists between two lovers.. that was an awesome experience to listen to..

The revelation that Chhath puja does not require any Pandit, which was also part of your introductory remarks, and therefore done entirely by the devotees, is a stellar revelation. it hardly has parallels..

Her comment that the women steel their body by being engaged in pujas is a well-put definition..

Overall, a superb experience listening to the podcast.. Aunty is a well-known scholar in her own right and she comprehensively dealt with the issues at hand..

You have come of age in devising and implementing your subjects by selecting most suitable speakers.. your style is immaculate and speaks volumes of your finesse